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Man on probation accused of assaulting man he claims is a drug dealer

America Samoa District Court building
ausage@samoanews.com

Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — A man, who is on 5 years probation for an assault conviction from two years ago, was arrested two weeks ago on the allegation that he assaulted his aunty’s boyfriend. Vincent Tomasi is charged with one count of 2nd degree assault, a class D felony, punishable by up to 5 years in jail, a fine of up to $5,000 or both; and two misdemeanors — trespass and third degree property damage.

If he is able to post the bond of $5,000, Tomasi is to abide by conditions of his bond, which include not making any direct or indirect contact with the government’s witnesses, as well as the victim.

Preliminary hearing is Nov. 12th.

The matter was reported to police by the victim’s sister after she found out that her brother sustained severe injuries to his head and face. The woman told police that the suspect used a rock to assault her brother who was visiting his girlfriend in Malaeimi.

The victim, who sustained head injuries, was admitted to the LBJ Hospital where he underwent surgery. Twelve stitches were needed to close the gap on the left side of his head.

When he spoke to police, the victim said he was outside talking to his girlfriend (defendant’s aunty) when Tomasi walked over and called out his name.

The victim said he went to see what Tomasi wanted and that’s when Tomasi struck him on the head with a rock and proceeded to kick him in the back and punch him multiple times in the face. During the beating, the victim said he heard Tomasi say, “I don’t want to see you talking to my aunty anymore because you’re a drug dealer.”

Tomasi was arrested at his home and transported to the Tafuna Police Substation for questioning. When asked about the incident, Tomasi told police he was warning the victim not to come to their home anymore because he knows he is selling drugs in the area.

He told police that on the day of the alleged incident, his brother, 28, bought two hand rolled cigarettes from the victim when the victim came to visit his girlfriend. And when he approached the victim regarding the transaction, the victim said, “That’s none of your business.” This angered Tomasi to a point where he assaulted the victim.

BACKGROUND

Tomasi was sentenced to 5 years probation by the court two years ago after being convicted for 2nd degree assault. He served 20 months behind bars as a condition of his probation. According to facts of the case, Tomasi assaulted another man during a drinking session by stabbing him in the back and shoulder with a kitchen knife.